Here is a listing of suppliers selling tubes and tube accessories, with whom I've had
good dealings and can therefore recommend to others. Please note that these are personal
recommendations only. Your Mileage May Vary.

A reputable company offering a wide selection of valves, sockets, books, transformers,
speakers, and just about anything else you're likely to need for your tube projects. They also
offer a beautiful printed catalog free for the asking. Definitely a top resource for valve
enthusiasts.

An excellent source of tubes at reasonable prices, large number of new and NOS types
in stock. Also transmitting and other tubes intended originally for the amateur market, but
can also be real treasures for audio enthusiasts. Fast and professional service.

Reasonable prices, good personal service in spite of a certain Chicagoan gruffness, and
nice selection of different variants on the more common tube types. Also good buys on
capacitors, sockets, et al. Good online support, a nice history section, and other amenities
such as conversance with international shipping details. One of the principals frequently
gives excellent advice on rec.audio.tubes, unlike some others who are only there to blow their
horns.

Another excellent Yahoo store, fast delivery, good online resources, and very
accomodating to personal preferences. They make a point that international orders are
welcome, and, like Triode, have obvious international shipping expertise. Power tubes
are sold as matched pairs by default.

A private operator, and another consistent and knowledgable contributor to rec.audio.tubes.
Jim specialises in HK Citation amplifiers, and is a storehouse of expertise on these units.
He also offers a good stock of primarily audiophile and collector tube types, at reasonable
prices.

Arnold Goksøyr provides a terrific resource, especially for European residents.
(Click on the little British flag for English version). Another steadfast and helpful contributor
to rec.audio.tubes, if you're looking for data on that obscure bottle, ask Arnold. Excellent
prices, and stock on some pretty esoteric valves, transformers, and other wonderful stuff.

While I'm not myself very keen on ebay (see caveats section below), one fellow with whom
I've had excellent dealings deserves mention here. John
Smith in New Zealand also sells directly, and has an excellent track record with other
customers also, judging by his ebay feedback profile.

Where NOT to buy Tubes

In my experience, most valve fanciers are a straightforward, honest bunch. However, it
only takes a few "bad actors" to spoil the show. Here are a few things I can
suggest to watch out for:

Ebay.com can be an excellent source of "stuff", but you can also get seriously
burned. Be sure you read the descriptions carefully, and have a look at the seller's other
auctions and feedback profile before even considering placing a bid.

Watch out for self-appointed "experts" making outrageous claims (at equally
outrageous prices). These characters sometimes operate under pseudonyms, such as preposterous
claims to royal titles.

Beware of rebrands. If you see descriptions of "Official [brand of amplifier]
replacements" or some such, you can safely bet that they're cheap Chinese valves rebranded
and repriced. (Nothing against Chinese tubes, I use them myself mainly for guitar amp projects,
but I sure wouldn't pay more for a bit of brand-name silkscreen.)

Look carefully at the seller's return/refund policy. Valves are generally quite tough,
and most of them survive the harsh shipping environment very well. But what if you happen to
get one of the few that's DOA? Will the seller replace it or offer a full refund?

Does the seller post on any of the audio or tube-related newsgroups? Read through his
contributions; if he comes across as someone from whom you wouldn't buy a used car, think twice
about buying tubes.